I plan to start an import agency business recently, but I'm not very clear about the specific process. For example, do I need to find customers first? And how should I handle customs declaration and inspection? What are the other key steps? I hope friends with experience can talk in detail about the process of import agency. Thank you very much!
While studying international trade knowledge, I couldn't clearly distinguish between entrepot trade and transit trade. I want to understand their differences in operational processes, trade risks, applicable scenarios, etc. The best answer explains that entrepot trade involves goods being resold through a third country with transfer of ownership, complex operations, risks concentrated on the entrepot trader, and is suitable for bypassing trade barriers. Transit trade refers to foreign goods passing through domestic territory without ownership change, simple operations, risks in transportation, and is suitable for geographically advantageous locations.
The company plans to start import business and wants to understand how international agency for import procedures works, covering the process from finding an agent to completing customs clearance and related precautions. The best answer suggests first clarifying requirements to find an agent, negotiating service details, having the agent assist with contract signing, preparing customs clearance documents, then after goods arrive at port: bill exchange, declaration, tax payment, inspection coordination, and finally release and pickup—maintaining close communication with the agent throughout.
Expresses a preference for overseas shopping and wants to understand whether there are significant differences in quality, price, after-sales service, etc., between genuine products obtained through import agents and those purchased directly from abroad. Concerned about potential pitfalls when buying through import agents. The best answer states that quality is usually similar, prices may vary depending on circumstances, and after-sales service might be more convenient with import agents. Choosing a professional and reliable agent ensures comparable or even better protection in various aspects compared to direct overseas purchases.
The company has import-export rights, and a friend wants it to help with importing goods. The question is whether having import-export rights allows acting as an import agent and what to watch out for. The best answer states that import-export rights enable import agency, but it's crucial to sign a detailed agreement with the client, clarify rights and obligations, understand regulations, handle customs and inspections accurately, plan cash flow, and ensure smooth operations.
Asking who should apply for tax refund in entrusted agency export - the principal or the agent, along with relevant regulations and considerations. The best answer states that generally the principal applies for the refund, as they are the actual producer or purchaser of the goods and directly related to the economic benefits. The principal must collect all documents and record sales revenue when applying, while the agent needs to assist in providing materials, except in special circumstances.
I want to understand the concept of Yidatong Agent Export. I said that I often hear this term recently when researching foreign trade export business, and I'm asking about the differences from the general export methods, the actual operation advantages and precautions. The best answer explains that Yidatong Agent Export is that the agency company provides export services for enterprises without qualifications or experience, introduces the differences and advantages from the general export methods, and reminds to choose a regular agency, sign a detailed contract and control the payment and receipt of goods payment.
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Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The process of import agency is roughly as follows:
First, find customers and sign an agency agreement to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, including the scope of agency, fee settlement, etc.
Next, assist the customer in handling relevant certificates such as import licenses (if necessary). This step is crucial as it is related to whether the goods can be imported smoothly later.
Then, arrange foreign exchange payment according to the contract to ensure that the payment can be made to foreign suppliers on time and accurately.
Before the goods arrive at the port, prepare all kinds of documents required for customs declaration and inspection, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.
After the goods arrive at the port, handle the customs declaration and inspection procedures in a timely manner and cooperate with the inspection work of the customs and inspection and quarantine departments. If there are taxes and fees, pay them as required.
Finally, pick up the goods and deliver them to the customer as agreed to complete the entire import agency process.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally, you need to first determine with the customer what goods to import, then check if any special certificates are needed, and then keep an eye on the cargo transportation situation. When the goods arrive at the port, quickly start the processes such as customs declaration and inspection.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
First, sign the agency contract well. After that, prepare the documents as required for customs declaration and inspection. Don't forget about foreign exchange payment. When the goods arrive, pick them up according to the process and hand them over to the customer.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
You need to do a good job in the preliminary work of import first, such as getting all the certificates in order, and then when the goods arrive at the port, handle customs declaration, inspection, pick up the goods and deliver them according to the requirements of the customs. Every step in the process needs to be done carefully.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
First, communicate with the customer about the import requirements and sign an agreement. Then prepare the materials for foreign exchange payment, customs declaration and inspection. When the goods arrive at the port, handle the relevant procedures, and finally pick up the goods and give them to the customer and it's done.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
First, find a good customer and finalize the cooperation, then handle the import-related procedures as required, such as foreign exchange payment, customs declaration and inspection, etc. When the goods arrive, just hand them over to the customer.